Category: Lead

• APC candidate is the man Nigeria needs now, says Rivers governor
• Lambasts Obaseki, Diri, Emiefele on naira swap policy

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday recalled how the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, turned down offers to work against the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Wike said after meeting with a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, in Paris between 2017 and 2018, he was sent to the Bourdilion, to persuade Tinubu to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and work against Buhari. 

The governor commended Tinubu for his steadfastness and loyalty to President Buhari, despite the challenges he had faced in the ruling party.

He said: “I came to your house in Bourdillon. I came and said to you sir, look at the way the country is moving. There is no way we can allow the current president to continue in 2019. 

“You now asked me, okay, what are the alternatives? I said sir, we have Atiku, we have Tambuwal, we have Bukola. You laughed. You said, look, I will remain with Buhari. If these are your alternatives, I will remain with Buhari, that I don’t know them.”

The governor spoke when Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, and APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu, visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt.

On Tinubu’s entourage were, Governors Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) ; Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), David Umahi (Ebonyi), former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and Tony Okocha.

Wike commended the APC governors for their insistence that power must return to the South after President Buhari’s tenure.

He said: “I thank APC governors for standing firm to say the unity of this country is more paramount. If you want to be president, without peace, does it make sense? You must be president when the country is united and you will enjoy being president.”

The governor described the APC presidential candidate as a man of character and courage, saying such attributes were what the country desperately required.

He said: “I wish you good luck. I support the principle of fairness, equity and justice and that is what G-5 stands for. G-5 does not stand for anybody.”

He urged Tinubu to prevail on the Federal Government to ensure that 2023 general election was not truncated.

Wike noted that the Central Bank flagrant disregard to the Supreme Court on the naira swap policy should worry the APC-led Federal Government amidst the forthcoming poll.

Wike, who thanked God that the APC presidential rally in the state was devoid of violence, however, expressed reservation whether the APC-led Federal Government was interested in conducting the election particularly with the lingering naira swap crisis.

He said: “Do you people really want this election to take place or not; or you have an agenda to truncate this election? I don’t know. Look at what is happening in Oyo today, Edo, Delta. See what is going on.”

The Rivers State governor maintained that the abrupt naira redesign and the tactless implementation of the naira swap policy by the CBN smacked of pure politics. 

He insisted that irrespective of the politics, the ruling APC must ensure the conduct of the election. 

He said: “I believe your party should make sure this election holds. You people are in power. Ensure that this election holds. Nobody can solve the issue of corruption in two-three months. It is not possible . This thing is purely politically motivated.”

Wike took a swipe on the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, for his blatant disregard to the Supreme Court.

He said: “How can you people be in government at this time, governor of a Central Bank disrespecting the Supreme Court. Where has it happened in any democracy? Governor of Central Bank thinking of whether to obey Supreme Court order. Where has it happened?

“I am not talking about Federal High Court order, not Court Of Appeal. I am talking about Supreme Court. Supreme Court said do not do this and everybody is folding hand begging Central Bank to obey Supreme Court order. Which country has it ever happened? When the order of Supreme Court is not obeyed, what are you telling the poor people on the street?

Wike, who described himself as an unrepentant member of the PDP, said it was abominable for two PDP states, Bayelsa and Edo, to join the Federal Government as defendants in the suit brought before the Supreme Court by some states challenging the naira swap policy.

He said: “For the first time I have seen a government procuring opposition to join them to defend their policy. A policy that is anti-people. You are now the ones procuring we (PDP) to defend something that is totally wrong. I have seen anything like this in my life. It is a big shame.”

Wike advised Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC not to invest resources in any of the party’s candidate in the state, because none of them would win a single seat in the election.

Tinubu informed Wike that the courtesy visit was necessitated by his sheer regard and admiration for his advocacy that power should rotate to the South.

He said he joined the race to lead the country on the philosophy that power should return to the South, as consistently advocated by Wike.

Tinubu said: “Our courtesy call, not to personalise it, is out of the respect I have for you. You worked hard and you voiced loudly your commitment to unity and the critical part to that unity in Nigeria, you never advocated a division of our country. You followed history. You respect the country.”

Senator Adamu explained that APC had deliberately resolved that power should rotate to the South at the end of President Buhari’s tenure.

According to him, the decision resulted in the emergence of Tinubu as the presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

He commended the Rivers State governor for his advocacy that power should shift to the South. 

According to him, Wike had by his stance on power shift, demonstrated that he was a man of conscience.

Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has recalled how the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, turned down their offers to work against the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Wike said after meeting with a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Sokoto Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, in Paris between 2017 and 2018, he was sent to the Bourdillon to persuade Tinubu to join the PDP and work against Buhari.

The Governor commended Tinubu for his steadfastness and loyalty to President Buhari, despite the challenges he had faced in the ruling party.

He said: “I came to your house in Bourdillon. I came and said to you sir, look at the way the country is moving. There is no way we can allow the current president to continue in 2019.

“You now asked me, okay, what are the alternatives? I said sir, we have Atiku, we have Tambuwal, we have Bukola. You laughed. You said look I will remain with Buhari. If these are your alternatives, I will remain Buhari, that I don’t know them.”

The Governor spoke when Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

On Tinubu’s entourage were, Governors Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); David Umahi (Ebony); former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi; Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Tony Okocha and others.

Wike commended the APC Governors for their insistence that power must return to the south after Buhari’s tenure.

He said: “I thank APC Governors for standing firm to say the unity of this country is more paramount. If you want to be president without peace does it make sense. You must be president when the country is united and you enjoy being president.”

The Governor described the APC presidential candidate as a man of character and courage saying such attributes, were what the country desperately required.

He said: “I wish you good luck. I support the principle of fairness, equity and justice and that is what G-5 stands. G-5 does not stand for anybody.”

He urged Tinubu to prevail on the Federal Government to ensure that 2023 general election was not truncated.

Wike noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) flagrant disregard to the Supreme Court on the naira swap policy matter should worry the APC-led Federal Government amidst the forthcoming poll.

Wike, who thanked God that the APC presidential rally in the state was devoid of violence, however, expressed reservation whether the APC led federal government was interested in conducting the 2023 general election particularly with the lingering naira swap crisis.

He said: “Do you people really want this election to take place or not; or you have an agenda to truncate this election. I don’t know. Look at what is happening in Oyo today, Edo, Delta. See what is going on.”

The Rivers State governor maintained that the abrupt naira redesign and the tactless implementation of the naira swap policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria smacked of pure politics.

He insisted that irrespective of the politics, the ruling APC must ensure the conduct of the general election.

“I believe your party should make sure this election holds. You people are in power, ensure that this election holds. Nobody can solve the issue of corruption in two-three months. It is not possible . This thing is purely politically motivated”, said.

Wike took a swipe on the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, for his blatant disregard to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He said: “How can you people be in government at this time, governor of a Central Bank disrespecting the Supreme Court. Where has it happened in any democracy. Governor of Central Bank thinking of whether to obey Supreme Court order. Where has it happened?

“I am not talking about Federal High Court order, not Court Of Appeal, I am talking about Supreme Court. Supreme Court said do not do this and everybody is folding hand begging Central Bank to obey Supreme Court order. Which country has it ever happened? When the order of Supreme Court is not obeyed, what are you telling the poor people on the street.”

The Governor, who described himself as unrepentant member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said it was abominable for two PDP-controlled Bayelsa and Edo to join the Federal Government as defendants in the suit brought before the Supreme Court by some states challenging the naira sway policy.

“For the first time I have seen a government procuring opposition to join them to defend their policy. A policy that is anti-people. You are now the ones procuring we(PDP) to defend something that is totally wrong. I have seen anything like this in my life. It is a big shame,” he said

Wike advised Tinubu and the national leadership of the party not to invest resources in any of the party’s candidate in the State, because none of them would win a single seat in the general election.

Indications emerged on Wednesday that President Muhammadu Buhari is making moves to find a solution to the escalating crisis trailing the cash swap by allowing the old notes to remain in circulation for another 60 days.

Many Nigerians protested the scarcity of the new N1,000, N500 and N200 notes on Wednesday as banks and traders stopped receiving the old notes, compounding living for citizens.

There were reports of widespread violent protests in Ibadan, Effurun, Benin, Akure and some others places, leading to vandalism, theft and other forms of chaos.

The Supreme Court on February 8 ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to refrain from enforcing the deadline for the phasing out of the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes pending the hearing of a lawsuit brought by some State Governments, challenging the new currency redesign.

However, to bring succor to the nation and avert contempt against the Supreme Court, Buhari is said to be entertaining the idea of extending the validity of the old notes till April 10, 2023.

A reliable presidential source, who spoke under anonymity, informed the President is seeking an extension of the use of the old N1,000, N500 and N200 for 60 more days.

Despite the conspicuous absence of a former Transport Minister and All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader in Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, a massive crowd attended the State’s rally of the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday.

Residents, who attended the rally across party lines at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, waited patiently from morning till afternoon to catch a glimpse of the Presidential candidate.

There was excitement at the stadium when Tinubu accompanied by other party leaders arrived for the campaign.

The candidate was accompanied by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos); David Umahi (Ebonyi); former Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Abike Dabiri and members of the APC National Working Committee led by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.

The party leaders such as a former Director-General, NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside; APC Rivers Governorship Candidate, Tonye Cole, Rivers APC Chairman, Emeka Beke among others graced the occasion.

Popular Nollywood actors and actresses such as Jide Kosoko, Eniola Badmus, Zack Orji including many musical artistes made the event colourful.

Tinubu, who thrilled the crowd with his dance steps, promised to promote the industrial revolution and gainfully engage the youths when elected as President.

He appealed to voters to work with him to build a nation of unity, joy and prosperity devoid of killing and other criminal activities.

The candidate promised that his government would ensure the youths have the best skills to enable them to engage in the production and export required to make the country proud.

He insisted that without factories and better utilisation of the ports, the country would not be able to achieve her goals.

He said: “What we are looking for is authority. Authority to bring the life of prosperity; power and mandate to give you the best of life, to take care of your inheritance; to make sure that all of you particularly the youths are empowered with the best skills in the world that can manufacture and that can produce things that other countries want for export and make Nigeria proud; a nation of prosperity, joy and happiness.

“We are talking about prosperity in Nigeria. Without our own factory, without better utilisation of our ports, and without peace and stability, we cannot achieve those aims. We want you to take your lives seriously beyond politics. I will be the president by the grace of God and by the power of your votes.

“Make sure you are with your PVCs. I pray one day you will be President too. Let’s work together and build a nation of joy and unity, a nation that is hard-working and not killing one another”.

Tinubu further vowed that when elected he would work with the youths to end pipeline vandalism adding that he would make Rivers a forest of joy, peace and prosperity.

The candidate acknowledged his friendship with a popular freedom fighter, who hails from Rivers, Alh. Asari Dokubo describing him as a courageous, bold, brave and honest man.

“Since I knew him for many years, he has been consistent, straightforward and hardworking. He is my friend and my brother. I don’t deny my friends no matter what you say”, he said.

Describing himself as the proud son of a market woman, Tinubu said people should not be ashamed of their backgrounds but should work hard for a better life.

At least four protesters were reported dead on Wednesday when violence erupted in Benin and its environs in Edo State over cash swap policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

Those killed were among the teeming customers of commercial banks who attempted to deposit their old naira notes at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) branch on Akpakpava Road, Benin.

Two of the deceased were young men and women hit by direct gunshots from policemen in front of the CBN’s branch by the popular Ring Road. 

The policemen also fired tear gas canisters, to disperse the surging crowd of protesters.

One of the protesters, who declined to give his name, told our reporter in front of CBN, that he saw the bodies of the four victims with three of them hurriedly evacuated by policemen. 

Read Also: Edo boils as residents protest against Obaseki

He said the depositors resisted the evacuation of fourth victim, a fair man, in his 20s.

Fully-armed soldiers and policemen prevented the depositors from moving close to the main entrance of the CBN’s branch. 

The protesters angrily vandalised commercial banks in the neighbourhood.

Edo Police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), marked NPF 3200 D, led many patrol vans from the Command. 

The police operatives shot directly at the protesters and sporadically into the air while the displeased depositors also pelted the speeding vehicles of the security personnel with stones and other dangerous objects.

Most of the major roads in Benin and its environs were blocked by the protesters, who made bonfires on them, with motorists hanging leaves on their vehicles to prevent being attacked and to show solidarity.

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), could not be reached for reaction as of the time of filing this report. 

The Supreme Court has said its February 8 order barring the Federal Government and its agencies from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the use of old 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes still subsist.

The court made the clarification on Wednesday following complaint by lawyer to Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN) that the Fed Govt and its agencies have failed to comply with the order and have allegedly directed the rejection of the old notes.

Mustapha said the plaintiff filed a notice of none-compliance with the order of the court order made on February 8. And demanded that the court take action against the respondent to protect the dignity of the court.

He added: “That order has been flouted by the government. We are talking of executive lawlessness here. We have filed an affidavit to that effect…We want the court to renew the order for parties to be properly guided.”

Justice John Okoro, who presided over a seven-member panel of the court, asked Mustapha to filed a proper application to put forward his complaints and to enable the respondent respond appropriately.

Justice Okoro said there was no need for a renewal of the court’s order.

Read Also: Supreme Court adjourns until Feb. 22 for hearing on naira redesign suit 

He noted that, since the order made by the court on February 8 was made pending the determination of the motion for injunctions filed by the plaintiff, the order still subsists since the motion was not yet heard.

The court had, in the February 8 ruling, said: “after a careful consideration of this ex-parte application, and the grounds in support of same, this court finds that there is real urgency for this court to intervene by the grant of this application.

“Accordingly, this application is hereby granted as prayed.

“That is to say, an order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government of Nigeria, either by itself or acting through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and/or the commercial banks, its agents; agencies, corporations, ministries, parastatals, organizations or through any person or persons (natural and artificial) howsoever, from suspending or determining or ending on the 10th of February 2023 the timeframe within which the now older versions of the 200, 500 and 1000 denominations of the naira may no longer be legal tender, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs/applicants’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

The Supreme Court has however fixed February 22 for hearing of the suit filed Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states challenging the propriety the naira swap policy of the Federal Government.

The court chose the date after joining the Attorneys General of Katsina Lagos, CR, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti and Sokoto states as co-plaintiffs in the earlier suit filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states.

The court also joined the Attorneys General of Edo and Bayelsa states as co-respondents. Both states elected to side with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) originally listed as the sole respondent.

The court ordered that the suits filed by separately by Nasarawa, Rivers and Kano states on the same issue be consolidated with the one filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states.

The court ordered parties to file all necessary documents before the hearing set for next Wednesday.

Justice Okoro, before adjourning, told lawyer to the AGF, Kanu Agabi (SAN) to advise his client to ensure the availability of currency for the people.

“Tell your client to let people have money. If they go to the ATM and the plaintiffs will come and withdraw the case. Make money available to the poor masses.

“You should know that a hungry man is an angry man. I say no more,” he said.

Responding, Agabi said Nigerians were only blaming the government for their poverty.

“Many people don’t have money. They blame it on the Fed Govt and the AGF. I don’t have money too. 

“Things have been bad for long. It is not today that the problems started,” Agabi said.

Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello of Kaduna and Kogi states were in court to witness proceedings.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Bello said the states were not at war with the Fed Govt over its cashless policy, but are only concerned about its negative impact on the citizens, who are now denied access to their funds.

Fresh protests rocked Ibadan, capital of Oyo State on Wednesday morning over fuel and naira scarcities.

Residents hit streets and roads to express displeasure over the continued difficulties in getting petrol and naira notes.

Sources said transporters led the protests around Eleyele/Ologuneru axis of the capital city. 

Other places were pockets of protests are ongoing, according to sources, include Gbopa, Ologuneru, Apete, Sango, Poly road, Mokola and Iwo Road axis

The protesters already blocked the Eleyele/Eruwa road, making movement impossible for residents.

Read Also: VIDEO: Naira scarcity protest grounds Ibadan

Thousands of other residents, apparently unprepared for another round of protests, were shocked to run into the road blockages.

The Eleyele/Eruwa road is the major road that leads Ibadan to Ibarapa zone.

The blockage of the road has created heavy traffic in Eleyele, Ologuneru and adjourning areas.

Witnesses at the scenes said the transporters were obstructing the free flow of vehicular and pedestrian movements around the areas.

It was gathered that the transporters said they were angry over the non-availability of cash as well as, the rejection of the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes by passengers and some fueling stations.

As of the time of filing this report, there is serious apprehension across the city.

Efforts to get the reaction of Oyo Police Command were not fruitful as of the time of this report.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday joined nine States as parties in the suit filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara challenging the propriety of the naira swap policy of the Federal Government.

In a ruling a moment ago, a nine-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, joined the Attorneys General of Katsina, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Cross River and Sokoto States as co-plaintiffs, while the Attorneys General of Edo and Bayelsa states were joined as co-respondents.

Read Also: CBN’s cash swap may affect polls, INEC official warns

The court ordered the original plaintiffs and the respondent – the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) – to amend the processes already filed to reflect the new parties.

Details shortly…

•CBN governor’s ‘no extension of deadline’ position raises dust
•Apex bank boss: queues at ATM points artificial
•Presidency: no action taken yet

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele should be jailed for contempt of the Supreme Court, an eminent professor of law, Itse Sagay (SAN), said yesterday.

He believes spending some time behind bars will make the CBN helmsman realise the enormity of the “merciless pain” the naira crisis has subjected Nigerians to.

Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), urged affected parties to initiate contempt proceedings against Emefiele at the Supreme Court.

He insisted that an order by the highest court in the land, rightly or wrongly made, must be obeyed by all until set aside.

Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court, in a case filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, barred the Federal Government, acting through the CBN or any other agent, from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the use of old naira notes.

In a unanimous ruling by a seven-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, it held that the “interim injunction” will subsist “pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs/applicants’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

But yesterday, Emefiele said there was no extension of the February 10 deadline for the old N1000, N500, and N200 banknotes to stop being legal tenders.

“There is no need to consider any shift from the deadline of February 10th,” he said when he met with members of the diplomatic community in Abuja.

The presidency said it would make its position known after today’s Supreme Court hearing.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said in a statement: “We wish to state that it is not true that the Federal Government or the CBN have taken a preemptive action on the legality of currency as a legal tender in view of the pendency of the case before the Supreme Court.

“The position of the government and the CBN will be made known upon the determination of the suit coming up tomorrow (today).”

Prof Sagay believes Emefiele’s attitude towards the subsisting order was highly contemptuous. He was not alone. 

Other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who spoke with The Nation, including Chief Ajibola Aribisala, Mr Ahmed Raji and law teacher Wahab Shittu, as well as Femi Falana who spoke on Channels, said the Supreme Court order must be obeyed.

Three other SANs – Dr Olisa Agbakoba, Abiodun Owonikoko and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, as well as Dr Fassy Yusuf, were hopeful the Supreme Court would help end the state of confusion.

Prof Sagay said: “The Supreme Court made its order. Whether you believe it has jurisdiction or not, you have to obey until the order is set aside. You are bound by the injunction.

“The Constitution specifically says the Supreme Court has even powers to enforce its judgments and that virtually all authorities in Nigeria are bound to enforce its orders, whether right or wrong.

“You can always apply to have an order set aside if you have a good reason.

“What is happening now, in my personal view, is that the CBN is committing contempt of court. 

“I think the other parties to the case should now file proceedings for contempt against Emefiele so that he can be locked up for contempt.

“Maybe that will reduce his zeal and the wickedness and cruelty which he has been perpetuating with pleasure on Nigerians in the last few weeks.

“That will make him a bit more sober and appreciate the degree to which he has subjected us to merciless pain.”

Aribisala was categorical in condemning the rejection of the old naira notes by banks.

The learned silk urged the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case to begin contempt proceedings. 

Aribisala said: “There is no doubt about the contemptuous actions of the CBN especially. 

“It is hoped that the three plaintiffs at the Supreme Court should take the proper action against the Federal Government and its agencies, including the governor of CBN.”

Raji urged the CBN not to be seen as lawless.

He said: “I believe the public is not sufficiently educated on the impact of the order of the Supreme Court.

“The banks should seek proper legal advice while the CBN should carefully study the orders made by the Supreme Court.

“The apex bank should not expose itself to the negative impression of being tagged a lawless body. 

“The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land.”

Shittu believes the Supreme Court order is binding on the CBN, therefore, it is wrong for banks to refuse to accept old notes.

He said: “The actions of the commercial banks are in clear violation of the ex parte orders of the CBN. 

“Legally speaking, the ex-parte order is binding on the CBN which is an agency of the Federal Government.”

Citing a Court of Appeal case of Jonathan vs FRN (2018), the SAN said effect of the decision is that the ex-parte orders of the Supreme Court must be obeyed until the application is heard on notice.

“Anything to the contrary amounts to contempt of court,” he said.

Shittu, a law teacher, added that the actions of the bank in not accepting the old naira notes amount to both indirect and criminal contempt.

“It invariably obstructs the administration of justice given the overall economic situation in the country and also brings the Supreme Court into disrepute.

“The order was rightfully made by the Supreme Court in order to forestall anarchy and ease the pressure and hardship occasioned by the new naira design policy on the citizens,” he said.

Falana slammed the CBN for ignoring the Supreme Court order.

He said the apex bank has a responsibility to direct banks to comply with the injunction.

The SAN said: “In a country where the rule of law operates, once the Supreme Court has determined a matter or given an order, it is expected that all and sundry – everybody – will comply with the order.

“In this instance, the government was not really ready to comply with the order.

“A statement was credited to the Central Bank that said since it was not a party to the case, it is not going to comply with the order.

“I thought that could only happen in a Banana Republic

“You would have expected the Central Bank to have issued a statement following the order of the Supreme Court. 

“I think the plaintiffs will have to take it up in the court.”

Adegboruwa urged the Federal Government to obey the Supreme Court order.

Referencing Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution, which tasks the government with the security and welfare of the people, the SAN said: “No matter the rationale for the cashless policy by the CBN, or indeed the Federal Government, once the end result is agony, suffering and even death in certain cases, it should be reconsidered.”

He was of the view that the judiciary’s intervention should be implemented by the Federal Government in line with the rule of law.

Owonikoko thinks the order should be made more specific to the CBN.

He said: “Hopefully this experience will be brought up at the Supreme Court (today).

“It will take a formal mandatory order addressed to CBN to issue compliance guidance if the order is extended after the proceedings.”

Dr Agbokaba feels the Supreme Court order needed better clarity.

He said: “It’s not contempt at all that anyone will refuse to accept the old notes. 

“The policy, whether executive or that of the CBN, in addition to the ruling of the Supreme Court, has left the matter extensively confusing.

“I cannot blame anyone who declines to accept the old banknotes and for that matter, even the new notes.”

Dr Yusuf was of the view that the blame lay with the CBN and Emefiele.

“You cannot blame the banks. You can only blame their supervisor, which in this case is CBN.

“It has not communicated the decision of the Supreme Court – the interim injunction on the Federal Government and by extension, the CBN – to them.

“The banks as you know are not agents of the Federal Government. 

“The agent of the Federal Government is CBN and CBN ought to have communicated that to them.

“In the first instance, the Attorney-General of the Federation ought to have communicated that injunction to the CBN and the CBN in turn to the banks.

“So, there has been a lot of buck-passing and you can only blame the Attorney-General for not giving out that information because the buck stops there.

“The CBN would be giving excuses that it was not informed whereas it is an agent of the Federal Government.

“It is all a reflection of the rascality in the country.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asíwájú Bola Tinubu yesterday promised to build on the legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari, if elected.

He spoke at a rally in Owerri, Imo State capital, which was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Governors Hope Uzodinnma (Imo), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Babajide Sanwo-olu (Lagos) and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.

Tinubu said the good work of the president, particularly in the area of infrastructure revolution, revamping agriculture, road and railway network, would be sustained. 

He said: “You know the president with honesty, integrity and dependability. We will continue with his incorruptible and being straightforward attributes.”

The APC candidate also promised to prudently manage the nation’s resources and increase its revenue – generation capacity as he did when he was Lagos governor.

To the people of Imo, Tinubu said he would further invest in education as President Buhari, who upgraded two institutions in the state to universities did, adding that he will help to make the state a tourist destination.

Tinubu stressed: “We will strengthen and promote peace and unity in the state and confront violence and man inhumanity to fellow man as that’s the only way growth and development can be achieved.

He added: “We are going to prudently manage and increase your revenue generation capacity, we will bring modern equipment to Imo state, we will continue to work with the state to eliminate violence, crime and inhumanity to man.

“We assure you of breaking shackles of poverty, we came with truth teller, we came with a leader with honesty, integrity and dependability, President Muhammadu Buhari who had for past eight years retrieved the neglected foundation which the other party refused to move forward.

“See the last eight years as years of retrieve infrastructural renewal dumped, rail lines dump, they shared the bounties of electricity generation and distribution, they forget the transmission line instead they started giving the people estimated billing, they thought we are stupid and they want to come back.”

President Buhari said Tinubu would be the next president of the country.

He said he had accompanied Tinubu to the state to sell him to the people, expressing gratitude for the massive turnout at the rally.

Read Also: Tinubu will deliver as my successor – Buhari

The president had earlier paid a courtesy call on traditional rulers in the state at their council chamber where he had also canvassed support for Tinubu’s election. 

The Chairman of the Traditional Council in the state, who received Buhari, Eze Udo, Dr. Eze Okeke, conferred on the president the chieftaincy title of Nwanne Dinamba, meaning (a brother in The Diaspora).

The host-governor, Senator Uzodinnma, while welcoming the dignitaries, restated that Imo is part of the Nigerian entity and “in brotherhood the people of the state shall stand with other Nigerians”.

He thanked Buhari for his support for the state, adding that his presence at the rally was a great testament to his determination to get the party to win the next election.

Sanwo-Olu said the Igbo and Yoruba have been coexisting peacefully for a long time.

“I bring you all greetings from Lagos to show you that there is a hand shake across the Nigeria, Igbo were with Tinubu in Lagos and I want you to also support him.”

Governor Uzodimma expressed happiness that President Buhari has always granted all his requests for the state.

The Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, represented by a former National Chairman, Adams Oshimhole, commended Uzodinma for moving the state forward through the provision of rural and urban infrastructure. He urged Imo electorate to vote for all candidates of the party.

At the rally held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, were APC Deputy Chairman (South), Emma Enekwu, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Idris Wase and APC National Woman Leader Betta Edu.